The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has pledged its full commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure celebration of the upcoming Eyo masquerade festival. The iconic event, also known as the Adamu Orisha festival, is scheduled to take place on December 27 on Lagos Island.
LASEMA's Call for Public Cooperation
In preparation for the large-scale cultural gathering, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, has made a direct appeal to residents. He implored those living on Lagos Island and across the state to refrain from any activities that could potentially trigger an emergency situation. The agency's goal is a completely hitch-free exercise, and public cooperation is deemed essential for achieving this.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu delivered this message during a crucial meeting held on Tuesday with members of the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) from both the Lagos Island East LCDA and the Lagos Island LGA. He emphasized the critical need for emergency workers to be in optimal health to perform their duties effectively.
Readiness and Community Engagement
The LASEMA boss assured all attendees, including local residents and visitors from the diaspora, that their safety is a top priority. He confirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has deployed necessary measures and equipment to manage any potential emergencies during and after the festival celebrations.
A key part of the sensitization effort is reinforcing the importance of the state's toll-free emergency numbers—767 and 112. Oke-Osanyintolu urged the LEMC members to widely publicize these lines while strongly cautioning the public against making hoax calls, which divert critical resources.
Following the strategic meeting, the Permanent Secretary led committee members on a fitness walk from the Lagos Island East LCDA secretariat to the end of Adeniji Adele Road. This initiative underscored the importance of physical preparedness for the personnel who will be on the front lines during the festival.
Grassroots Collaboration for Safety
The Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Mr. Muibi Alade-Folawiyo, commended LASEMA for its proactive approach through grassroots sensitization on emergency management. The Vice Chairmen of both councils, who lead the LEMCs in their domains, also pledged their support.
Mrs. Mosurat Balogun and Mr. Aru Folami committed to collaborating closely with LASEMA to facilitate the training and retraining of emergency responders at the local government level. This partnership aims to enhance the protection of both lives and property for all Lagosians during the Eyo festival and beyond.
